The Best Private Schools in New Boston, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Boston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School serves students from pre-K through 8th grade with a comprehensive Catholic education program. Located approximately 30 minutes from New Boston, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by faith formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong parent involvement and community support. Extracurricular programs include robotics, music, sports, and various clubs.
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Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Rivermont Collegiate is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located about 25 minutes from New Boston in Bettendorf, Iowa, the school offers the International Baccalaureate program and maintains small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The campus features historic buildings, modern science labs, athletic facilities, and extensive technology integration. Known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and diverse student body, Rivermont consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities.
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Alleman High School
Catholic Diocese of Rockford
Alleman High School is a comprehensive Catholic high school serving students in grades 9-12. Located approximately 25 minutes from New Boston in Rock Island, the school offers a strong college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses. The school features modern academic facilities, extensive athletic programs, and a robust fine arts department. With a focus on spiritual formation and academic excellence, Alleman maintains a strong tradition of community service and student leadership development. The school has a proven track record of preparing students for college success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Boston, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in New Boston, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
New Boston, IL, is served by a few key private institutions, each with a distinct focus. St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School typically offers a faith-based education for younger grades, often through elementary and sometimes middle school. Rivermont Collegiate, located in the broader Quad Cities area accessible to New Boston residents, is a private, non-sectarian school offering a college-preparatory program from preschool through 12th grade. Alleman High School in Rock Island is a Catholic college-preparatory high school serving grades 9-12. For comprehensive K-12 private education, many New Boston families also consider schools in nearby Moline, Rock Island, and Bettendorf, Iowa.
How does tuition for private schools in the New Boston, IL, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the New Boston area varies significantly by school and grade level. Parish-supported Catholic schools like St. Katharine Drexel often have lower tuition rates for registered parishioners, while independent schools like Rivermont Collegiate have a higher, comprehensive tuition. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $5,000-$8,000 annually for local Catholic elementary schools to over $20,000 for upper grades at independent colleges. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois residents should investigate the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant assistance to eligible families. Additionally, many schools have parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to New Boston students?
Schools serving New Boston leverage their proximity to the Quad Cities for unique programs. Rivermont Collegiate emphasizes advanced STEM, global studies, and has a renowned international baccalaureate (IB) program. Alleman High School offers strong college-prep academics alongside distinctive programs like its Engineering Academy and dedicated theology curriculum. Given the region's heritage, many schools integrate local history, Mississippi River ecology, and agricultural science into their coursework. Extracurriculars often include robust robotics teams, speech and debate, and music programs that participate in regional competitions across Illinois and Iowa.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the New Boston, Illinois, area?
The enrollment process often begins a full year in advance, especially for sought-after schools and higher grade levels. Most schools host open houses in the fall (October-November). Application deadlines for the following academic year are typically in January or February, with admission decisions and financial aid awards communicated by March. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or assessment day. For Catholic schools, priority is frequently given to active parish members and siblings of current students. We recommend contacting your school of interest by early fall to get on their mailing list and understand any specific requirements.
For families in New Boston, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school in the area?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. New Boston's public schools are part of the Unity Point School District, offering a community-centered education. Private options provide alternatives such as a specific religious foundation (Catholic), a highly rigorous college-prep focus (like Rivermont), or much smaller class sizes. Transportation can be a factor, as Illinois does not provide public busing for private school students, so commuting to schools in Rock Island or Bettendorf is a consideration. Additionally, private schools may offer more specialized academic support or acceleration programs. It's advisable to visit both types, talk to current parents, and consider your child's learning style and your family's values.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Middle Schools Near New Boston, IL for Your Child
As a parent in New Boston, Illinois, beginning the search for “private middle schools near me” can feel both exciting and daunting. This pivotal stage in your child’s education is about finding an environment that nurtures their growing independence, challenges their intellect, and supports their social-emotional development. Fortunately, the New Boston area and the broader Quad Cities region offer several distinctive private school options, each with its own educational philosophy and community feel. Understanding the local landscape is key to making an informed decision that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s unique needs.
One of the primary considerations for New Boston families is the blend of close-knit community and broader opportunity. A local institution like St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School provides a familiar, faith-based foundation for middle school students, emphasizing values and academic fundamentals within a smaller setting. For many parents, this continuity from elementary years offers stability and a strong sense of belonging. However, the search for “private middle schools near me” often extends beyond the immediate village limits to include schools that specialize in the middle school journey. Just across the river, Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf represents a significant option. As the only independent, college-preparatory school in the Quad Cities, Rivermont offers a rigorous academic program specifically designed for the middle years, with a focus on critical thinking, leadership, and exploratory learning that can be particularly appealing for students ready to dive deeper into subjects like STEM or the arts.
The logistical aspect of your search is uniquely shaped by our geography. New Boston’s location means you are considering schools in both Illinois and Iowa. This expands your choices but also introduces considerations like commute times across the Mississippi River bridges and varying state curricula or extracurricular offerings. When researching “private middle schools near me,” it’s wise to factor in daily travel and the community your child will join. Some families value the deep local roots of an Illinois-based school, while others are drawn to the specific programs available at Iowa institutions. Furthermore, it’s important to look at the full educational pathway. While Alleman High School in Rock Island is a premier private high school, understanding which feeder middle schools align with its curriculum and culture can be a strategic part of your planning, even years in advance.
Ultimately, the best approach is to move beyond the online search and experience these schools firsthand. We encourage every New Boston parent to schedule visits, ask detailed questions about class size, teacher retention, and middle school-specific programs like advisory or service learning. Observe the students; do they seem engaged and happy? Talk to other parents in our community who have navigated this same decision. The ideal private middle school for your child is one where they will be known, challenged, and inspired. By taking the time to explore the excellent options within reach—from the parish school to the independent college-prep campus—you are investing in a foundational experience that will prepare them not just for high school, but for a lifetime of confident learning and growth.